Millions of individuals across the United Kingdom who receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are being advised to immediately check their accounts for a specific seasonal payment. The call to action comes amid concerns that some eligible claimants may not have received their annual £10 Christmas bonus.
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus and Who Qualifies?
The tax-free Christmas bonus is a one-off £10 payment made by the DWP to those on certain benefits. To be eligible, you must have been receiving one of a list of qualifying benefits during what is known as the 'qualifying week', which is the first full week of December. You must also have been present or 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during that same week.
The list of qualifying benefits is extensive and includes:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the initial 13-week period)
- and several other legacy and war pension-related benefits.
For married couples, civil partners, or those living together, it is possible for both individuals to receive the bonus if they each claim a qualifying benefit. There are also specific rules allowing a partner who does not claim a benefit to receive the payment if both are over State Pension age and other conditions are met.
Have You Received Your Payment? Here's What to Do
The payment is typically made automatically in early December. Recipients should look for a transaction marked 'DWP XB' on their bank statement. This payment does not affect any other benefits you may be receiving.
However, if you believe you meet the criteria but have not seen the payment in your account by 1 January, the government advises taking prompt action. Official guidance on GOV.UK states: 'If you think you should get it, but have not by 1 January, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service.'
A Controversial Amount Amid Rising Living Costs
The bonus has faced significant criticism for its stagnant value. The £10 sum has not been permanently increased since its introduction in 1972. It was temporarily raised to £70 in 2008 during the financial crisis but was reduced back to £10 the following year.
Many commentators and recipients have labelled the unchanged amount as an 'insult' given the current backdrop of high inflation and soaring household bills. The debate highlights the growing disparity between long-standing benefit top-ups and the modern cost of living.
With the deadline for reporting the missing payment now passed, eligible individuals who have not received their £10 are strongly encouraged to contact their relevant benefits office without delay to query the omission.
